Whether you’re a foodie looking for new recipes, an architect looking for inspiration, a photographer looking for a new subject, or a thrill-seeker in search of a new adventure, there’s something for everyone in Barcelona. The capital city of Catalonia, which is also Spain’s second largest city, is quite incomparable because of its stunning architecture and historic sites like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila. But apart from these must-see heritage destinations, Barcelona also has adrenaline-inducing outdoor activities. Here are some of our favourites we want to tell you about:

Rowing at Parc de la Ciutadella
To get you warmed up for your outdoor adventure in Barcelona, start by renting a rowboat at Parc de la Ciutadella. The park is a green oasis in the heart of the city and it’s well-known for its inviting and relaxing atmosphere. A small rowboat can be rented for half an hour at a time and will allow you to go around the green lake. You can also feed the ducks at the lake in between rowing. And since the site is vast, Conde Nast Traveler also recommends that you stop by Barcelona’s city zoo and regional parliament—all within the park grounds.

Cycle through the Montjuïc Route

The Montjuïc is home to attractive landmarks like the Joan Miró Foundation, the Olympic Stadium, and the Montjuïc Castle. The biking route begins at Plaça d’Espanya and heads down Av. Reina Maria Cristina. It turns right towards Av. de l’Estadi, which takes you up a gentle climb. If you want a more challenging hike, you can turn left to C/Leida and the Passeig de Santa Madron. You can also go around the Olympic Stadium and then head to Montjüic Castle through Passeig del Migdia. There’s also a hidden outdoor bar at the back of the castle in case you need some refreshments.

Windsurfing the Catalonian Coast

There’s nothing like the windy coves on the northern coast of Barcelona, especially when the conditions are right, with the closest beaches 15 minutes away from Las Ramblas. The seaside neighbourhood of La Barceloneta is one of the local beaches that is popular with thrill seekers, and Barcelona N’ Do says it’s one of the most famous beaches in the city. In the south of Barcelona, you can go to the small bay of Garraf, which is considered one of the most picturesque surf spots in the city. If you like small waves, Garraf is a perfect choice.

Try out Bossaball at Swimming Club Barcelona

The Bossaball court looks more like a water park ride than an actual sporting venue, but it’s a very serious sport despite it being one of the world’s weirdest games. The best way to play it is at the beach with live music – it is as exhilarating as it is challenging. It originated in Spain in 2005 and is played on an inflatable court featuring a trampoline on each side of the net. The trampoline allows the players to jump high, spike the ball over the net and earn points. It’s quite competitive and literally breathtaking as it’s very acrobatic and physically demanding. In Barcelona, you can try it at Club Natació Barcelona, which is just a few kilometres away from some of the best Barcelona vacation rentals/

Hike to the Bunkers del Carmel

From your vacation rental in Barcelona, walk up Parc del Guinardo until you reach the top. It may be a little tiring, but once you get to the bunkers at the top, it will definitely be worth it. Bunkers del Carmel is said to be one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets, but today it has become well-known for the jaw-dropping panoramic views it affords of the city. You can also access the bunkers via the Carrer de La Gran Vista and follow it around until you come by Carrer del Panorama where you’ll find the famous arbre del l’amour.

Next time you visit Barcelona, we encourage you to go on a food trip so you can get a taste of the local bestsellers and traditional recipes. You should also visit the Font Magica located just below the Palau Nacional, to watch its impressive show of water, music, and light. No matter where you are and what your interest is, there’s something for you in Barcelona. Finding places to stay wouldn’t be a problem, too, as there are a lot of Barcelona villas with pools waiting for travellers like you.

There are many family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona that are suitable for families with kids. Whether you go to the Ebre Delta or the Pyrenees, there are a myriad of options from which to choose that will delight and entertain your little ones. Catalonia has everything that families seek for a holiday in barcelona with children including some of the activities that are listed below.

Bike along a railway track

One of the family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona is biking without having to worry about cars and other vehicles. The Greenway runs from Aragon to Catalonia, which is the same route of the old railway track. At present, the rails are gone and in their place is a well-maintained track that is exclusive for hikers and cyclists, as well as horse riders. The track is relatively flat, which is ideal for the whole family. Just make sure that you bring a flashlight because there are tunnels along the way, and some of them are unlit. The total distance of the track is around 130 kilometres, but you don’t need to travel all the way. The Catalan side of the track takes your family through the Baix Ebre and Terra Alta regions, which are filled with wonderful sceneries.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Barcelona. It was created by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and feels like a scene right out of a fairy tale. Visiting the park and exploring the grounds is an ideal family activity in Catalonia and Barcelona. Children will be in awe of the Hansel and Gretel homes, leafy plazas, and dragons found throughout the park’s grounds. The best way to get to the park is to take the metro to Vallcarca and then travel up to the park via the escalator to the back of Parc Guell.

Coastline at Lloret de Mar

Kids who love to climb rocks and explore beaches will adores the coastline of Lloret de Mar. A list of family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona is incomplete without a mention of the wonderful beaches in the region. A rocky area just north of the main beach in Lloret de Mar is ideal for children who love adventure, and parents who love stunning scenery.

La Rambla

To complete your list of family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona, take a stroll down the famous La Rambla in the center of Barcelona. Enjoy the various street performers, human statues, painters, animal stalls, flower vendors, and a lot more. La Rambla is definitely a sight that visitors must see in Barcelona before heading back home.

When staying in your villa in Barcelona you will have to explore the place like the locals that will give you the insight to the rich local cultures and the legends that are a part of their rich traditions. There is plenty to explore that you can only undertake when you plan for an extended stay in one of the inexpensive rented accommodation.

A gaggle of geese

Go to the Barcelona Cathedral is the home to a gaggle of thirteen geese that are a symbol of the tragic past of the Church. Santa Eutalia, the patroness of the city, was killed at the age of thirteen. Going to the Cathedral at noon or afternoon will give you free entry!

The magic fountain

The Magic Fountain that is the Canaletes Fountain is situated on top of Las Ramblas and is also decorated with the shield of Barcelona while being topped by an iron lamp. Drinking water from the fountain will assure your return to the city. It is also the place where FC Barcelona come and celebrate their victories.

The lucky turtle

Go to the Casa de l’Ardiaca that is the wall outside the Cathedral and you will find the little turtle patting whom is said to being in luck. He sits pretty on the stone rectangle that was a former mailbox of a lawyer’s home. The story of the birds around is to depict justice that is free and unbound and the tangled ivy, and the turtle indicates the slowness of the process. When you enter the Casa de l’Ardiaca, there are several Roman aqueduct that you can see those that once ran through the city. There are also several exhibitions and public archives.

The spitting Gargoyles

The Spitting Gargoyles are those that are jutting out of the walls of the Cathedral and include the lions, elephants and unicorns and some eternal monsters. When the Corpus Christi were passing by they spat, and now they are punished as the plumbing on the walls of the cathedral. When it rains they actually spit and drench the passersby – so be careful.

Sant Jordi and the dragon

Sant Jordi and the Dragon is best found in the Gothic Quarters where there are several statues of St. George, the patron saint of the city. He stabbed the dragon, and there are several reliefs like the one in the Carrer del Bisbe. A subtle image that you will come across is on the top of Gaudi’s Casa Batllo that is said to be inspired by the skin of a dragon. April 24th is he day of the saint with many celebrations in the country.

The entire region of Catalonia is at your fingertips. 10 minutes by car to Barcelona, 2km to the beach, and 2km to AP7 motorway which allows you access to Tarragona, Costa Brava and interior Barcelona province.

This is a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of sangria, a beer, or even try out some tapas with fresh local ingredients. Beyond Las Ramblas, you can also walk the Barri Gotic, Barcelona’s old medieval town, or pay a visit to its shops, bars, museums, and free time activities.